Signaling networks that shape organs and tissues in development
Official title: Signaling networks controlling organ growth and tissue patterning
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-11336803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led project uses fruit flies to map how key signaling pathways control organ growth and tissue patterning, with potential relevance to human brain and cancer biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM158116-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly; findings could eventually influence therapies for brain development disorders and cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Current participants are not enrolled in this project, as it is conducted in model organisms.
What this research studies
This project explores how three major signaling systems guide organ growth and tissue patterning, using Drosophila as a model. It combines biochemical tools and genetic imaging to map downstream effects of RTK/ERK, Hippo signaling, and DYRK1A-like kinases. Although conducted in fruit flies, the study aims to reveal conserved mechanisms that could inform human biology and disease. Results could illuminate how disruptions in these pathways contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer in people. The work emphasizes cutting-edge methods like affinity purification-mass spectrometry and advanced imaging to build a detailed network map.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could deepen our understanding of human developmental biology and disease, potentially informing future interventions for conditions linked to these signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in conserved pathways have shown meaningful links to human biology, supporting the potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veraksa, Alexey — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Veraksa, Alexey
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.